Fondant Problems

The cake is due tomorrow and I am having big problems. Everytime I get the fondant rolled out so it is not sticking to the mat, it falls apart as I am trying to put it on the cake. I have had to reroll, knead etc at least 5 times. I put it away for the night, to let myself and the fondant rest. I am trying to put it on a 11" layered cake. Any help or idea would be appreciated.

Sounds like you may be rolling it too thin. For an 11-inch round 4-inch high cake, I'd start with about 2-1/2 - 3 lbs. of fondant.

I don't recommend using powdered sugar when rolling out fondant. The fondant absorbs the sugar and could cause it to dry out. This is a particularly common problem among new fondant users who find themselves reworking their fondant several times.

Instead, use cornstarch. It's slippery, so your fondant slides over more than it absorbs. And you don't need to use very much.

Have you tried the method where you MAKE the fondant stick to the mat? Use nothing or a little bit of shortening to roll out your fondant. Then, flip the entire mat onto the cake. Peel off the mat, leaving the fondant on the cake. Don't use too much shortening or it will be difficult to smooth.

What kind of fondant are you using? When I used to use MMF I used crisco to grease the vinyl shower curtain piece, then flipped the whole thing over. Worked great. Now I'm using Michele Foster's fondant and I used powdered sugar and the fondant stuck to the mat and I was hating life! I ended up running out of corn starch, but it worked. I'm not sure if you can use Crisco with Michele's fondant or other types besides MMF.

I don't recommend using powdered sugar when rolling out fondant. The fondant absorbs the sugar and could cause it to dry out. This is a particularly common problem among new fondant users who find themselves reworking their fondant several times.

I'm not a new fondant user and I find powdered sugar works well. I wouldn't douse your surface, but if you dust it you will be fine. Maybe it's because I make my own fondant that it works for me, but...?